Taking Fitness on the Road

Fitness has become a part of so many lives, whether it be at home or on the road. Travelling is getting more common for many reasons: business trips, family vacations, group excursions, retreats, and romantic getaways. With all the resources available these days, there are no excuses for leaving your workout routine at home.

While preparing the itinerary for your trip, plan ahead for your fitness routine as well. Call the facility at which you will be staying and find out what it has in terms of fitness classes, weight rooms, swimming pools, tennis courts, guided walks, hikes, or bike rentals. Many rooms include VHS or DVD machines, so bring along your favourite exercise video. Request a room on the top floor to give you plenty of opportunity to take the stairs.

If the modern-day forms of exercise are not available, don’t write off a fit holiday yet. There are other methods which can be used. An elastic tube and a skipping rope are the next best items to have. They can be added to your suitcase, and are lightweight, affordable, user-friendly, convenient, quiet, and effective. There are also small, totable handbooks which will show you how to use these items, or you can email sharon@encorefits.com for personal instruction on how to get ready for the road.

Remember, fitness is all about moving the body. So instead of taking a cab to that beach a mile away, use your legs and walk. Carry your own luggage instead of having someone else do it. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the shoreline. Take part in a game of badminton or volleyball. Walk the golf course instead of renting a cart; it’s just another good way to add up the miles.

For many of us a holiday is time away from our busy routines, and our minds and bodies are craving the break. In this case, enjoy the relaxation time for which you have worked so hard. Even top athletes need a vacation from heavy exercise. However, if your schedule involves many road trips, it is important to maintain your level of fitness while you are away. Treat this time away as a change of scenery from your typical workout, and make it a positive experience. You may be surprised to see how well you and your body react to the change!

When putting together your routine, remember that all you really need is one exercise per muscle group. So choose your favourites and have fun working out on the on the road!

Sharon Fleming
Personal Trainer, BCRPA

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